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USA Women’s Sitting Volleyball mothers get needed support from Allyson Felix

Lora Webster plays a shot during the Women’s Sitting Volleyball final Gold Medal match against China at the London 2012 Paralympic Games (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

When the Paralympics open on Aug. 24 in Tokyo with athletes’ family members unable to attend, two players on the USA Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team will rest a bit easier knowing their children are well provided for back home. 

Lora Webster and Kaleo Kanahele Maclay are two recipients of track GOAT Allyson Felix’s new grant program called “The Power of She,” which provides financial support to mom athletes to help offset childcare costs associated with travel for training and competition. Felix, a leading advocate of maternity rights for mom athletes, teamed up with Athleta and the Women’s Sports Foundation to launch this new grant program ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. 

While travel of any parent puts hardship on families with children, the fact that women make up the vast majority of primary caregivers for young children makes Felix’s grant a welcome source of support for women like Webster and Maclay.

Lora Webster, who is heading into her fifth Paralympic Games this summer, has been playing volleyball since she was five. At eleven she was diagnosed with bone cancer below her left knee and underwent a surgery called rotationplasty that removed the cancerous bone, including her knee, and reattached her lower leg (rotated 180 degrees) to her femur. This surgical option was appealing as it gave her full range of movement and allowed the sport-loving kid to resume athletic activity as quickly as possible. Once she had fully recuperated and finished chemotherapy, Webster got back to the court and eventually helped lead her Arizona high school (standing) volleyball team to the state championship in 2004. 

That same year, Webster made a difficult choice when she decided to forego a DI standing volleyball scholarship in order to focus on the sitting version of the game. Though initially hesitant to try adaptive sports, she had recently joined the women’s sitting volleyball national team and quickly realized she was more challenged by and more passionate about the sitting game.

She has been fueled by that same passion ever since winning bronze with Team USA at the Athens Paralympics, where women’s sitting volleyball made its debut. But she hasn’t done it alone. She and husband Paul Bergellini have three children and another one on the way. Webster may not have her family with her in Tokyo, but she’ll be playing while pregnant with her fourth kiddo.

With The Power of She funds, Webster will now be able to afford to fly her mom to New York to cover the family’s childcare needs while she’s gone without suffering a significant financial burden when her mom misses 10 days of work. And this time around she’ll have a teammate who can empathize with the stresses of balancing elite athletics and motherhood.

Kaleo Kanahele Maclay is heading into her third Paralympics but her first as a mom. She and husband Matt Maclay have a 3-year-old son named Duke. Like Webster, she is among the first cohort of athletes to benefit from the Power of She program. 

Maclay started training with the national sitting volleyball team when she was just 12 years old and played in her first international competition at 14. Bill Hamiter, head coach of the national team, had spotted the talented young setter in the standing club volleyball scene and recruited her to try the sitting version of the game.

Maclay was born with a club foot and has limited flexibility and muscle in her lower left leg. After making the transition to the sitting game as a young teen, she is now considered the best setter in the game. And now with a family of her own, she’s grateful for Webster and other athlete moms for paving the way. 

As she told NPR this summer, “I think people like Allyson Felix, Serena Williams, Lora Webster, Kerri Walsh, who have really shown that you can be a mom and an elite athlete at the same time, have deeply encouraged me to know that I can do the same.”

Watch Webster, Maclay, and the rest of Team USA defend their gold medal in Tokyo from August 27th to September 5th on NBC networks, Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, or the NBC Sports app.

NY Liberty Announce Dedicated State-of-the-Art Brooklyn Practice Facility

Rendering of the New York Liberty WNBA training facility.
The Liberty will open their new practice facility in 2027. (New York Liberty)

The 2024 champion New York Liberty is the latest WNBA team to enter the dedicated practice facility race, with plans for an $80 million, 75,000-square-foot training center in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Set to open in 2027, the complex will eliminate the need for Liberty players to share facilities with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets.

“We are a player-first organization and investing in health and wellness has always been a priority for us. The New York Liberty deserve a facility of their own: one that reflects their tremendous talent, work ethic, and ambition,” said Liberty governor Clara Wu Tsai.

“This facility is a sign of our commitment to the team, to the city of New York, and to the advancement of women’s sports.”

“The New York Liberty strive to be the standard on and off the court and this facility will be a game changer as we continue our relentless pursuit of excellence,” said Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb.

“A key part of this process has been the active involvement of our players in creating a year-round home for themselves and their families, and the collaborative effort to redefine the standard of player care and experience. When our athletes step into what will be the crown jewel of the WNBA, they will see themselves and their insights reflected throughout.”

Interior rendering of the New York Liberty practice facility.
Instead of a traditional locker room, the Liberty will offer private player suites. (New York Liberty)

Liberty expand facility offerings beyond top-tier WNBA standards

In addition to common amenities like dining, workout, and recovery areas, the facility will forgo a traditional locker room and instead provide every player with a private suite. Each suite will be stocked with a wardrobe and sneaker storage, a vanity with face-illuminating lighting, and a seven-foot daybed.

In addition to interior comforts, the center also features an outdoor basketball court. The court will host both practicing players and community-based clinics, allowing for greater neighborhood integration.

Interior rendering of basketball court inside the Liberty training center.
The new Liberty practice facility will be located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. (New York Liberty)

“I am grateful to be a part of an organization who recognizes the power of investment in their players, and ensures we have everything we need to be at top of our game at all times,” said star Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu.

“It was amazing to sit down with Populous and walk through what is most important to us as athletes to be successful in all aspects of our lives. This facility is a massive next step for the New York Liberty.”

“One of the main things that drew me to the New York Liberty organization is the level of investment in us as athletes," added center Jonquel Jones. "We just won a championship, and in the same way they expect us to level up and step up our game, our ownership group and leadership continues to raise the bar, and this facility is a perfect example of that."

LA Sparks to Retire WNBA Legend Candace Parker’s No. 3 Jersey

Sparks icon Candace Parker on the court for the LA Sparks.
Parker spent 13 seasons in Los Angeles before signing with Chicago in 2021. (Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

The LA Sparks will retire the No. 3 jersey of WNBA icon Candace Parker in 2025, the team announced on Thursday.

The ceremony will take place during the team’s June 29th game against the Chicago Sky.

"To see my jersey hanging in the rafters amongst other legends is truly an honor.  This moment is not just about me — it’s about my family, my teammates, and the incredible support from the LA Sparks organization and fans,” said Candace Parker in a statement.

"This jersey represents all the moments, all the connections, and all the love that got me here.”

Spending her first 13 seasons in LA, the 2024 retiree won WNBA MVP twice with the Sparks. She additionally led the Sparks to a WNBA championship in 2016.

Moreover, she was named 2008 Rookie of the Year, 2020 Defensive Player of the Year, and 2016 Finals MVP.

Parker still leads the storied organization in total assists, ranking second all-time in rebounds and third in points scored.

The Sparks will also help launch Parker's book, The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions.

As part of the ceremony, LA will integrate book-themed activations. This will allow fans to "engage with Candace’s story both on and off the court."

Candace Parker #3 hugs Los Angeles Sparks owner Magic Johnson after defeating the Minnesota Lynx in Game Five of the 2016 WNBA Finals.
Magic Johnson came out to support Candace Parker ahead of her jersey retirement. (Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)

Basketball great praises Parker ahead of jersey retirement

Among those singing Parker's praises was Sparks co-owner and retired Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

“Candace is the best all-around player that has ever played in the WNBA. Her legacy is immeasurable — she redefined excellence, was a champion on the court and for the Los Angeles community and inspired countless fans and future generations of athletes," said Johnson.

"Very few champions get to see their jersey hanging from the rafters in this city. Retiring Candace’s No. 3 jersey is not just a celebration of her extraordinary career, but a tribute to the enduring mark she's left on this organization, the WNBA, and the city of Los Angeles. She will forever be a part of the Sparks family."

Washington, Orlando Hunt Key Wins as NWSL Weekend Kicks Off

Barbra Banda #22 of Orlando Pride chases down the ball during the NWSL 2024 Playoff match between Orlando Pride and Chicago Red Stars at Exploria Stadium on November 08, 2024 in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando's Barbra Banda will take the NWSL field against Wave FC this weekend. (Dustin Markland/Getty Images)

Just two matchdays into 2025, six of the 14 NWSL teams remain unbeaten. And while Washington has faltered, only Orlando and Kansas City have yet to drop any points ahead of this weekend’s lineup.

A few top-tier squads like the Washington Spirit are already eyeing bounce-back performances. Elsewhere, others — namely Orlando — will aim to prove their dominance with another three-point result.

Trinity Rodman #2 of the Washington Spirit during a game between Bay FC and Washington Spirit at Audi Field on November 10, 2024 in Washington, DC.
The Washington Spirit hope to right the ship against Bay FC in this weekend's NWSL action. (Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Short-staffed Washington Spirit looks to bounce back

Roster availability continues to be an ongoing issue. However, this weekend’s lineup promises a couple of consequential matchups.

The Spirit attempt to shake off last week’s frustrating 2-0 loss to Kansas City against a surging Bay FC on Friday. Though Bay FC is fresh off their first win of the season against Racing Louisville.

Washington’s comeback aspirations will be tested tonight. The 2024 runners-up are staring down a lengthy injury list with nine players unavailable.

As such, expect them to lean even harder on star forward Trinity Rodman. Still recovering from a lingering back issue, Rodman told Pro Soccer Wire this week, “The mental part's been hard, but I think it’s been managed really well."

As for Orlando, the 2024 champs look as dangerous as ever. Wave FC will have a chance to prove that last week’s goal-fest win over Utah wasn’t a fluke when they face off on Saturday.

How to watch Washington and Orlando NWSL games this weekend

The Washington Spirit kicks off against Bay FC on Friday at 8 PM ET, with live coverage on Prime.

Afterwards, the Orlando Pride takes on San Diego Wave at Saturday at 12 PM ET, live on ESPN.

Women’s March Madness Returns with Top-Ranked Sweet 16 Lineup

Sweet 16 bound Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks and MiLaysia Fulwiley #12 celebrate against the Texas Longhorns in the third quarter during the championship of the SEC women's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 09, 2025 in Greenville, South Carolina.
South Carolina will attempt to advance to their fifth straight Elite Eight. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

The Madness returns today, as the NCAA tournament’s Sweet 16 putsthe season’s most prolific performers to the test in a series of top-seeded showdowns.

This year’s third round is all Top 5 seeds, with blockbuster matchups expected to bring the heat well before the Final Four.

Sweet 16 team South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) works the ball against Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) during the championship game of the SEC women's college basketball tournament between the Texas Longhorns and the South Carolina Gamecocks on March 9, 2025 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.
Texas aims to reach the Final Four for the first time since 2003. (John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NCAA tournament history sets teams up for success

With the Cinderellas now silenced, many teams still in contention enter the Sweet 16 armed with a history of NCAA tournament success.

No. 1 seed South Carolina tips off against No. 4 seed Maryland today, as the Gamecocks vie for their fifth straight Elite Eight after winning two national titles in the last four years.

Up-and-down No. 3 seed LSU makes a play for their third straight Elite Eight berth tonight — not to mention an attempted repeat of their 2023 championship win.

No. 1 seed Texas looks to advance to their fourth Elite Eight in the five years tomorrow, hunting a return to the Final Four for the first time since 2003.

Later, No. 2 seed UConn aims for their fourth Final Four bid in the last five seasons, coming as close as 2022’s title game before reaching the semis last year.

Sweet 16 newcomer TCU star Hailey Van Lith battles Houston Christian's Victoria Dixon for the ball.
TCU will make their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance today. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Both rookies and vets feel the Sweet 16 heat

Experience can go a long way when the spotlight gets a little brighter, but pressure also mounts as blue-chip programs face the chopping board.

One notable first-time Sweet 16 matchup is this afternoon’s clash between in-state rivals No. 2 seed Duke and No. 3 seed North Carolina, with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line.

Tomorrow, No. 3 seed Notre Dame meets No. 2 seed TCU, as the Irish fight to regain their regular-season dominance while the Horned Frogs try to extend their underdog campaign with their first-ever Sweet 16 appearance.

And with razor-thin margins across the board, confidence will play a key role in making it to the competition’s coveted fourth round. “We're a bunch of fighters, and we respond when we’re challenged,” Notre Dame senior Sonia Citron said after last Sunday’s 76-55 win over Michigan.

Sizing up Elite Eight contenders

While not exactly upset territory, Sunday’s Elite Eight will likely feature tense battles between teams looking to hang onto late-season consistency and those running on turnaround momentum.

After losing to eventual conference champion Duke in the ACC semifinal, a refreshed No. 3 seed Notre Dame heads into tomorrow’s Sweet 16 hot off of winning their first two NCAA tournament games by an average of 36.5 points.

After injuries derailed their SEC tournament dreams, No. 3 seed LSU has similarly picked up the pace, putting together two consecutive 100+ point games in the NCAA tournament’s first two rounds.

No. 5 seed Kansas State wouldn’t normally be an issue for No. 1 seed USC, but after losing superstar JuJu Watkins to an ACL tear on Monday, the Trojans might have to rally to get the job done.

And while “underdog” is a stretch, the greatest momentum shift might belong to No. 2 seed UConn, with Bueckers and co. firing on all cylinders despite dropping several ranked matchups this season.

Where to watch NCAA Sweet 16 and Elite Eight games this weekend

The Sweet 16 tips off today at 2:30 PM ET, with all games airing across ESPN platforms.

After Saturday’s Sweet 16 finale determines the field, the Elite Eight tips off on Sunday at 1 PM ET, with live coverage across ESPN platforms.

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